Gordian knot

/ˌgɔrdiən nɑt/

Other forms: Gordian knots

Definitions of Gordian knot

1. noun

   an intricate knot tied by Gordius, the king of Phrygia, and cut by the sword of Alexander the Great after he heard that whoever undid it would become ruler of Asia
   type of:

   knot

   any of various fastenings formed by looping and tying a rope (or cord) upon itself or to another rope or to another object
2. noun

   any very difficult problem; insoluble in its own terms
   type of:

   problem

   a question raised for consideration or solution